On Sept. 22 at 4:16 a.m. officers were dispatched to the 200 block of Linden Street in Moorestown for the report of two subjects in possession of a Sawzall tool that were stealing catalytic converters from vehicles. It was also reported that the suspects were operating a dark colored vehicle with a loud muffler.
Upon police arrival on Linden Street, a suspect was observed and approached by officers. The suspect ran away from officers and a foot pursuit ensued. After a short distance, the suspect was apprehended and arrested by officers in the 300 block of North Stanwick Road. The suspect vehicle was determined to be a gray BMW with black wheels, tinted windows and loud exhaust which was last seen leaving the area southbound on North Stanwick Road at a high rate of speed.
Arrested: John R. Villar Villa, Age 20, from Bronx, New York
Charges: Theft by Unlawful Taking 2C:20-3A; Conspiracy 2C:5-2A(1); Obstructing Administration of the Law 2C:29-1A
Another catalytic converter theft occurred at 6:48 a.m. on West Central Avenue involving the suspect vehicle after the arrest had been made. Catalytic converters were reported stolen from vehicles on East Linden Street, West Central Avenue and Locust Street.
Anyone having information regarding these incidents is asked to contact our Criminal Investigations Bureau at 856-914-3092 or email detectives@moorestownpd.com.
